"​Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near." (Revelation 1:3). There is a lot wrapped up in this verse. It talks about the revelation of Jesus Christ that was given to John on the island of Patmos and the fact that the return of Christ is near. One of the things, the major thing, revealed in this prophecy is that, regardless of the satanic influence in this world and satan's attempt to take over God's creation, in the end Jesus wins! And, if we are in Jesus Christ, we win also. However, I want to point out something to students of the Word that is declared in this verse. If you are a student of the word, reading it, hearing it, taking it to heart, you are blessed; unequivocally, irrevocably blessed.

There is an understanding, an unveiling of God, His ways, His purposes; His will wrapped up in His Word (as we view this verse from a broader perspective). We get all of this from being a student of the Word of God and taking it to heart. His word is true! It is spirit and life! It is quick and powerful, sharper than a double-edged sword. It cuts, it rebukes. It encourages. It corrects. It heals. It strengthens. We have such a different perspective (God's perspective) of world events, world affairs, our own experiences and the things that happen in our lives, all because we are students of the Word of God and we take His Word to heart.

So many people attend church but are not students of the Word; therefore they don't know how to handle adverse situations and circumstances, attacks of the enemy, sickness and so many other things when they happen. Don't be one of those. The declaration is we are blessed when we read, hear, and take to heart the things that are written in ths prophecy and also in the Word of God!